A new Education Innovation Hub is opening on 1 May under the Fujitsu Education Ambassador Programme for Scotland, supported by NetApp, Ruckus Networks an ARRIS company, and Intel.
The hub is situated in Paisley and follows the announcement at Bett 2017 about the growth of the Ambassador Programme. UWS is the latest educational institution to open its Innovation Hub in the second phase of the programme and the first to officially open in Scotland.
The Ambassador Programme is a national engagement initiative led by the four global IT leaders to highlight how computing power underpin knowledge in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) subjects. It is designed to drive innovation and digital skills development at UWS and its wider community.
The Innovation Hub will form the central piece of an ongoing partnership between UWS, Fujitsu, Net App, Ruckus Networks, and Intel. The hub will be equipped with the latest computing technology and will be used to promote the use of technology and the development of digital skills.
UWS is one of Scotland’s most modern, innovative and dynamic universities and we are hugely excited to become the first university in Scotland to house a Fujitsu Ambassador Innovation Hub.
The Hub, based at the Paisley Campus, will equip staff and students with the best tech to enhance learning and teaching, and ultimately help students gain the skills they’ll need to achieve more in the digital workplace.
Ash Merchant, Director of Education at Fujitsu, said: “University of the West of Scotland is passionate towards digital transformation and the role of digital in supporting its students – and we’re excited to be a part of that with the launch of the Innovation Hub.
“A recent survey by Fujitsu revealed that around a fifth (22%) of consumers believe that digital education should be part of the modern education curriculum, which points towards a real need to see education establishments focusing on the digital journey.
“Educational institutions like University of the West of Scotland will play a crucial role in making this happen – and Fujitsu, supported by our partners, is committed to supporting them in bringing their vision to life.”
Nick Thurlow, NetApp Managing Director UK & Ireland, added: “Today’s data-driven technologies are paving the way for tomorrow’s world, and nurturing the digital skills to truly unlock its potential is essential. However, schools face a number of challenges from managing costs, to efficiency and security when it comes to facilitating the necessary digital transformation.
“Fujitsu’s collaborative work with local communities, to build digital classrooms with the provision of core infrastructure, is a visionary response to a pressing issue. NetApp is proud to sponsor Fujitsu’s initiative in Scotland, with ten planned hubs to enhance digital education.
“Providing more than just a digital hub, Fujitsu offers the chance for teachers to upskill and boost the visibility of digital career paths for students. To enhance the power of the cloud, we need to inspire and nourish the minds of the next generation. This is a step in the right direction for local communities, that might otherwise face a digital divide.”
“Ruckus Networks is dedicated to cultivating innovation and realizing the creative potential of students by helping them understand how networks are driving the digital age,” said Steve Johnson, Regional Director, Northern Europe, Ruckus Networks. “Through this programme, we aim to expand students’ understanding of technology while creating ambassadors for our future.”
The main objectives of the Ambassador Programme are to support greater collaboration between industry and education, aiding career skills development and providing expertise on personalised technology in teaching and learning.
